[center][h3]Antaeus[/h3][/center]

Bookie was reworking a schedule for the miners. He was trying his best to ensure that these men weren't out of work completely; the garrison wants to seal off the entire mine until the crypt is discovered while he's hoping he can simply section off the area where the opening was. Sure, these men could go find work elsewhere in the short term, but iron was the lifeblood of this town. There simply wasn't enough of a marketable profit in fishing or forestry for them to try and turn that into a new business. Not to mention what happens in those mines were very much Bookie's business, and if there was profit to be made from it-

That's when a familiar face stepped up to the Firbolg. [b]"Ah, Antaeus."[/b] Bookie knew all his workers fairly well, well enough to know their names at least, and he certainly knew of Antaeus. Far be it from him to get involved in a family's personal problems, but Bookie has dealt with Antaeus' father enough to get an idea of what his situation was like. There's even been questions about if any of the other miners might be Antaeus, which Bookie couldn't really determine. As far as he knows, Antaeus is the only Genisai in the Frontier Town, and they've not had any visitors like him since the village started. Either way the best Bookie could do was just make sure the two did have their time apart; it's too dangerous in the mines to let high tempers bring everything down. What was stranger to Bookie however was how Antaeus was acting. Antaeus was never a shy boy.

What he asked nearly made Bookie chuckle, but he remained stoic. He took off his glasses and mulled on it, speaking his thought outloud. [b]"You wish to become an adventurer huh? Well, suppose now [i]would[/i] be a as good as a time as any. Mysterious crypt opening up in our mines would need a few adventurers to explore.... And you're not runt. You're right up there with Nartur as one of our strongest rock breakers."[/b] Bookie closed his eyes and nodded. [b]"Well, I can't promise it'll be enough for them to accept you, but I know a thing or two that might help. First I'll write to Ork about letting you get some basic training in with his garrison. But they don't just accept every young man in town. While I'm sure they know and can see that you're a strong fellow, they need someone who isn't afraid to kill either. Now, I'm not saying you got to kill a man or anything, but they do want someone who can at least kill an animal. Go into the forest and hunt for a deer or maybe even a boar, and bring it back to the garrison. That'll show them that you're bloodied enough."[/b] Bookie took one of the smaller pocketbooks he had on his person, writing a note down on it before passing it off to Antaeus.

His first quest book.

[@Zeroth]

[hr]

[center][h3]Livia[/h3][/center]

Shortly after Livia knocked on the door, she would hear the light taps of footsteps approaching. Soon the door opened revealing a [url=https://i.imgur.com/asUslJL.jpg]peculiar little girl[/url]; she was definitely a young child, but she had cat-like ears and two cat-like tails. Her clothing was also notably different; while most of the villagers were wearing tough but plain garments meant for heavy work, this girl was wearing more fashionable clothing one would expect from a more major city. Livia may even recognize the style and even designer (History Check). Either way it was clear enough; this little girl wasn't a regular villager. [b]"Hello. Are you here to see gran- I mean the Mayor?"[/b] Before Livia could even answer, a deep voice called from further within. [b]"Go ahead and bring our guest in dear, I just finished up here."[/b]

At the man's command the little girl would invite Livia inside. She would also escort the girl to a large meeting room. It wasn't too fancy compared to some of the places Livia has been, but it had a rustic charm. The room was illuminated by the sunlight coming from outside, with a fireplace nearby that was only burning embers at the moment. There was a nicely carved wooden coffee table between two large couches, both with woolen cushions and pillows. While it was now silk case filled with plucked goose feathers, it was better than sitting on a wooden bench. There was also a large carpet made out of a rather huge bear, authentic and skillfully preserved. The walls of this room was decorated with various paintings, some which Livia may recognize; they were some of the locations she walked pass while getting to this village. Above the fireplace itself was a coat of arms of sort; it consisted of a rather ornate pickaxe crossed with a masterwork bow with three arrows bundled together made of a black stone.

There were two other people here. One was an [url=https://i.imgur.com/IjmTlcB.jpg]old man[/url] with was playing with at least four kittens, and there were more just climbing around. He also had some dandelions tucked behind his ears which one of the cats kept pawing at. Standing up as if she was just leaving was a tall, head haired [url=https://i.imgur.com/fcs3mps.jpg]orcish woman[/url]. Her outfit, demeanor, and face said orcish, but she was quite an odd specimen for an orc; she had pale white skin and bright red hair. Where it not for her boar like snout and her notable tusk, she could pass off as a burly male elf. [b]"Didn't know you were expecting guess, Mr. Mayor."[/b] The orcish woman said with a hint of curiosity. She crossed her arm and looked at Livia, as if expecting her to come back with a snide remark.

[b]"I'm always expecting guest, Nartur. It would be my duty to see to anyone who has questions for me and the town after all. Now then, unless you'd like to join us for tea, is there anything else you'd like to ask?"[/b] The orcish woman simply snorted and shook her head. [b]"Unfortunately no. But when you're ready to get your head out of the sand, my men and I will be back at the barracks."[/b] With that the woman, Nartur, left. The young girl had also gone to make tea leaving Livia with the man with many cats. He motioned for her to take a seat on the couch in front of him. [b]"I'm sorry you had to see that. Nartur is a good woman, if shortsighted. Now then, what can I do for you miss Livia Foire?"[/b] The mayor smiled, taking out a letter from his coat. [b]"I have been expecting you of course. I apologize for not having a fancier room prepared for you. It's been quite an eventful day. Ah, but where are my manners? I haven't even introduced myself. I am Mayor Nikolas."[/b] The girl from before returned with a tray of tea, cups, and cookies. She put the tray down on the table and sat next to Nikolas, picking a cat off of him to hug as she looked at Livia. [b]"And this girl is my granddaughter, Monita. Now then, what can I do for you today?"[/b]

[@Rune_Alchemist]

[hr]

[center][h3]Ethan[/h3][/center]

Meanwhile the Drunken Dragon was quite busy today. While it wasn't unusual to have so many people during the lunch rush, today was especially busy as most if not all the miners were out of the mine due to the discovery of the crypt in the mine. Thus the tavern was full of sweaty, tired men looking for a good meal. There were so many that most had to go eat outside, though fortunately there were still plenty of tables and chairs for them too. When Ethan came around he did garner a lot of stares, but not just because he was a newcomer. 

[b]"Damn that boy looks skinny."[/b] 

[b]"Poor lad, must be a beggar."[/b] 

[b]"That kid could use some meat on those bones."[/b] 

[b]"Could I get some more garlic?"[/b]

[b]"That's the weirdest looking twig I've ever seen."[/b]

Most went back to their own business shortly after but a few watched just because they had nothing better to do. The contrast between Ethan's height was most notably when he went up to [url=https://i.imgur.com/p5n3v7V.jpg]Sips[/url]; the halfling barkeep. The man, despite being over sixty years old, was barely over three feet tall. Despite his small statue it was obvious that he was in charge here; he dressed much better than everyone else in the tavern, and his hands were either exchanging money or food. His tavern workers consisted of [url=https://pre00.deviantart.net/80b6/th/pre/f/2016/197/4/c/4ceddcd9e402d016e2555422aa7029ac-daa6lju.png]three[/url] [url=https://pre00.deviantart.net/3b80/th/pre/i/2016/138/b/c/commission___twylla_the_gnome_by_ronindude-da2v077.png]village[/url] [url=https://pre00.deviantart.net/4ad6/th/pre/f/2015/328/3/7/silly_quickie___peasant_girl_by_ronindude-d9hjazw.png]women[/url], serving food, pouring drinks, or cleaning tables. Miners who got a bit too frisky for their own good ended up getting ejected out by a [url=https://i.imgur.com/iZoh3G1.jpg]half-elf[/url] man who either clocked them over the head, or used a flick of his finger to cause them to walk out of the tavern under their own will.

When Ethan went over to Sips and asked his question the halfling gave him a look. But as quickly as the smirk came, the halfling gave a hearty laugh. [b]"Ah ha ha ha! You wanna earn your cake and eat it too eh? I see I see, so you want in on a cut of my jib do ya? Well, You've come to the right man ya did!"[/b] The halfling went to the back after dealing with some customers, then came back to to Ethan with a map and a [url=https://i.imgur.com/z3tmwRP.jpg]hat[/url]. [b]"Aight, so see here, these are the places ya need to be to get the things we need capisce? This cap is your badge of office, you show up you know what you're doing, they know what they're doing, you'll get your things and you'll go. Come back here by the end of the day, do that six more times, and you get the cutter for your butter. Do a good job and it'll be all horrowshow know what I'm saying dobby?"[/b] Sips spoke quickly as he turned to to the half-elf who was standing by the bar now, who just nodded his head. [b]"Aye. In other words you got the job. You start now. Work hard, don't be late, and by the end of the week you'll get your pay."[/b] 

[@Searat]